Golf Flagstick Spacer, System, and Method of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A golf flagstick spacer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured to fit around a flagstick. The outer surface is spaced an elevation distance from inner surface. The elevation distance from the inner surface to the outer surface is configured to space, elevate or raise the flagstick off the ground whereby a club or a putter may be inserted between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Technical Field of the Disclosure

The instant disclosure relates to the sport of golf and the flagsticks used therefore. More particularly, the instant disclosure relates to a device for spacing, raising or elevating a flagstick off the ground, a system utilizing such a spacer with a flagstick, and a method of use thereof.

Description of the Related Art

In most cases individuals are hesitant to bend down in order to lift/retrieve an object lying on the ground, as when bending down to lift/retrieve the object for most involves effort and sometimes pain. The repeated task of bending down or stooping from a standing position (or from a sitting position) to retrieve an object may initiate painful physical conditions for those doing this task repeatedly. Mechanical equipment has been developed and known to limit the physical burdens of such lifting/retrieving tasks. As examples, a variety of mechanical objects are known for the specific function to help those picking up cans, bottles, trash from streets, and trash cans. These gadgets used are gripping or piercing tools to ease the strain of bending down to retrieve objects.

In the sport of golf, one must remove the flagstick at each hole for putting. This process typically requires one to remove the flagstick, lay or drop the flagstick on the ground, and pick up the flagstick once the hole is completed to return the flagstick to the hole. For example, after the golfer or group of golfers have sunk their ball into the hole, it is the responsibility of one of the golfers to retrieve the golf flagstick laying flat on the ground and place it back into the hole in the upright position for the next golfer or group of golfers. Thus, golf flagsticks are removed repeatedly and replaced during a round of golf. The flagstick typically must be laid flat on the ground while the golfer or golfers put into the hole, thereby preventing any objects or clubs, like the golfer's putter, from going underneath the flagstick. As a result, the golfer replacing the flagstick into the hole is forced to bend over and pick up the flag from the ground with his or her hands. As one should readily understand, this process of bending over to pick up the flagstick repeatedly throughout a round is undesirable, especially for the older golfers and/or golfers with back injuries or other physical limitations or disabilities.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmet need for a device that spaces, raises, or elevates the flagstick off the ground to allow a user to insert their putter, or other device or club, below the flagstick to raise it up. The instant disclosure is designed to address at least some of the above mentioned problems by providing a golf flagstick spacer, system, and method of use thereof.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present apparatus, system, and method overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a golf flagstick spacer and method of use thereof. The flagstick spacer may be a device for aiding a golfer in raising a flagstick where the golfer does not have to bend over to pick up or raise the flagstick. The flagstick spacer may be for spacing, raising, and/or elevating the flagstick off the ground to allow a user to insert their putter, or other device or club, below the flagstick to raise it up.

The present spacer device for raising a flagstick may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface may be configured to fit around the flagstick. The outer surface may be spaced an elevation distance from the inner surface. The elevation distance from the outer surface to the inner surface may be configured to space, elevate, raise, lift, the like, etc. the flagstick off the ground whereby a club or putter may be inserted between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.

One feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that it can be flexible. The flexibility of golf flagstick spacer may aid in attaching and removing the spacer from the flagstick. In addition, the flexibility may reduce and/or prevent damage to the ground or other surrounding objects. In select embodiments, the golf flagstick spacer may be made from a flexible material. The flexible material may be any flexible material, including, but not a light weight durable flexible material. Examples may include, but are clearly not limited to plastics, like polyethylene foam. The light weight durable flexible material embodiments of the golf flagstick spacer may provide a light weight durable flexible material for the golf flagstick spacer.

In select embodiments, the golf flagstick spacer may have a donut shaped cross-section, or a substantially donut shaped cross-section. As used herein, a substantially donut shaped-cross-section may include a donut-shaped spacer with portions removed (like a gap) or added.

In select embodiments, the golf flagstick spacer can be integrally attached or formed with the golf flagstick.

Another feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that in select embodiments it can be removably attachable to the golf flagstick. In this removably attachable embodiment, a gap may be provided between the inner surface and the outer surface for removably attaching the spacer to the flagstick. In select embodiments, when the golf flagstick spacer may be flexible, the gap may be operable to open and close by bending and/or twisting the golf flagstick spacer. In other select embodiments, or in combinations thereof, the gap may include a protrusion or protrusions on one or both sides of the gap for securing the spacer on the flagstick. As examples, but clearly not limited thereto, the protrusions may be rounded protrusions.

In select embodiments, the gap may increase from the inner surface to the outer surface at an angle. The angle that the gap increases from the inner surface to the outer surface may be any desired angle. In select embodiments, the angle may be between 5 and 50 degrees. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the angle that the gap increases from the inner surface to the outer surface may be between 20 and 40 degrees. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, the angle that the gap increases from the inner surface to the outer surface may be approximately or equal to 30 degrees.

One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer device may be that it can be configured to space, raise, elevate, lift, the like, etc., the flagstick off the ground at any desired elevation distance. In select embodiments, the elevation distance may be between 1.0 and 3.0 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the elevation distance from the outer surface to the inner surface may be between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, the elevation distance from the outer surface to the inner surface may be approximately or equal to 2.0 inches.

One feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that the outer surface may be circular or substantially circular including an outer diameter. In select embodiments, the substantially circular outer surface may have an outer diameter of between 3.5 and 5.5 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the substantially circular outer surface may be between 4.0 and 5.0 inches. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the substantially circular outer surface may be approximately or equal to 4.5 inches.

Another feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that it can have a thickness between a top edge and a bottom edge. In select embodiments, the spacer may have rounded top and bottom edges. This may provide a better feel to the device and/or may reduce or prevent damage to the ground and/or surrounding objects. The thickness from the front edge to the bottom edge may be any desired distance. In select embodiments, the thickness between the top edge and the bottom edge may be between 0.25 and 2.25 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the thickness may be between 0.75 and 1.75 inches. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, the thickness may be approximately or equal to 1.25 inches.

One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer may be that the inner surface may be configured to fit around a flagstick, including any size, shape or material of golf flagsticks, whether currently known, or later developed. For example, the inner surface may be configured to fit around a flagstick diameter of 0.5 inches and/or 0.75 inches. In select embodiments, the inner surface may be substantially circular with an inner diameter. In select embodiments, the inner diameter may be between 0.25 and 1.0 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the substantially circular inner surface may be approximately or equal to 0.375 inches.

The instant invention also includes a golf flagstick system. The golf flagstick system may include a golf flagstick and the golf flagstick spacer in any of the embodiments shown and or described herein. In select embodiments, the golf flagstick system may include the golf flagstick spacer integrally formed on the golf flagstick. In other select embodiments, the golf flagstick system may include a removably attachable golf flagstick spacer, wherein the golf flagstick spacer may be removably attachable to the golf flagstick.

In use, a method of raising a flagstick may be conducted utilizing any of the various embodiments of the golf flagstick spacer as shown and/or described herein. The method of raising a flagstick may generally includes the steps of: providing the golf flagstick spacer on a flagstick in any of the various embodiments as shown and/or described herein; putting the flagstick on the ground whereby the golf flagstick spacer elevates the flagstick off the ground; inserting a club or putter between the ground and the flagstick; and raising the flagstick with the club or putter.

In select embodiments of the method of raising a flagstick, wherein the flagstick spacer is removable, the method may further include the steps of: attaching the flagstick spacer to the flagstick prior to putting the flagstick on the ground; and removing the flagstick spacer after raising the flagstick with the club or putter.

In other select embodiments of the method of raising a flagstick, or in combination thereof, wherein the flagstick spacer is further configured to be removably attached to a golf bag or club for transportation and/or storing, the method may further include the following steps: affixing the golf flagstick spacer to the golf bag or club for transportation and/or storage; and taking the golf flagstick spacer off the golf bag or club prior to attaching the golf flagstick spacer to the flagstick.

These and other features of the golf flagstick spacer and method of use thereof will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary, and following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present golf flagstick spacer device and method of use thereof will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art flagstick laying flat on the ground as known;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer device according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure attached to a flagstick and elevating it off the ground;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer device from FIG. 2 attached to a flagstick;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer device from FIG. 2 attached to a flagstick and raising it off the ground with a club inserted underneath the flagstick;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf flagstick spacer device from FIG. 2 attached to a flagstick;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a golf flagstick spacer device according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure being attached to a flagstick;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer device of FIG. 6A attached to the flagstick and being dropped to the ground;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer device of FIG. 6A attached to the flagstick with a putter inserted underneath the flagstick and raising the flagstick up;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a golf flagstick spacer device according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a top or bottom view of the golf flagstick spacer device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a front view of the golf flagstick spacer device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a rear view of the golf flagstick spacer device of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the method of raising a flagstick according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated example embodiments of golf flagstick spacer 10. Spacer 10 may be for raising flagstick 12 off of the ground 14, like the putting surface or surrounding areas. Flagstick 12 may be any flagstick, including any size, type, or material of flagstick, or any other similar or like flagstick type devices or systems. Spacer 10 may generally include inner surface 16 and outer surface 18. Inner surface 16 may be configured to fit around flagstick 12. Outer surface 18 may be spaced elevation distance 20 from inner surface 16. Elevation distance 20 from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be configured to space, elevate, raise, lift, the like, etc. flagstick 12 off ground 14 whereby club 22 (see FIG. 4) or putter 24 (see FIG. 6C), or any other similar club or device, may be inserted between flagstick 12 and ground 14 for raising or picking up flagstick 12. As such, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be utilized by a golfer for allowing the golfer to pick up or raise the flagstick from ground 14 with their club 22 or putter 24 (or any other similar device) without the need to bend over and pick up the flagstick with their hands. In sum, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be a device for aiding a golfer in raising flagstick 12 where the golfer does not have to bend over to pick up or raise flagstick 12.

Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be for spacing, raising, and/or elevating flagstick 12 off the ground to allow a user to insert their club 22, putter 24, or other device or club, below flagstick 12 to raise it up. Golf flagstick spacer 10, or just spacer 10 or device 10, may be for raising flagstick 12 and may generally include inner surface 16 and outer surface 18. Inner surface 16 and outer surface 18 may combine to create a donut shaped cross-section. Inner surface 16 may be configured to fit around flagstick 12, including any size, shape and/or material of flagstick 12, including constant cross-sectional area flagsticks and non-constant cross-sectional area flagsticks, i.e. flagsticks with convex and/or concave outer surfaces.

Outer surface 18 may be spaced elevation distance 20 from inner surface 16. As such, elevation distance 20 may be the distance from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16. Whereby, elevation distance 20 may be configured to space, elevate, raise, lift, the like, etc. flagstick 12 off ground 14 whereby club 22 or putter 24 may be inserted between flagstick 12 and ground 14 for raising flagstick 12.

Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be positioned and/or attached anywhere on flagstick 12. Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be positioned below the top of flagstick 12 and above the bottom of flagstick 12, i.e. golf flagstick spacer 10 may be positioned somewhere between the ends of golf flagstick 12. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be positioned on the upper half of flagstick 12 below the flag.

In select embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be flexible. The flexibility of golf flagstick spacer 10 may aid in attaching and removing spacer 10 from flagstick 12. In addition, the flexibility of spacer 10 may reduce and/or prevent damage to ground 14 or other surrounding objects when contacted by spacer 10. In select flexible embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be made from a flexible material. The flexible material may be any flexible material, including, but not limited to a light weight durable flexible material. This light weight durable flexible material may include, but is not limited to, a plastic, including, but not limited to polyethylene foam. The light weight durable flexible material embodiment of the flexible golf flagstick spacer 10 may provide a light weight durable flexible material for golf flagstick spacer 10.

Golf flagstick spacer 10 may have any desired size or shape for spacing, elevating, lifting, raising, etc. flagstick 12 off of ground 14. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, golf flagstick spacer 10 may have a donut shaped cross-section, or a substantially donut shaped cross-section. As used herein, a substantially donut shaped cross-section may include a donut shaped spacer with portions removed (like gap 26) and/or added. Inner surface 16 and outer surface 18 may combine to provide the donut shaped cross-section of spacer 10. However, the disclosure is not so limited to a donut shaped cross-section and other shapes may be utilized for spacing, elevating, lifting, raising, etc. flagstick 12 off of ground 14.

In select embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 can be integrally attached or formed with golf flagstick 12. In these embodiments, flagstick 12 may be manufactured integrally with golf flagstick spacer 10 and/or golf flagstick spacer 10 may be subsequently integrally added (attached, welded, glued, etc.) to an existing flagstick. In these integral embodiments of golf flagstick spacer 10, spacer 10 could remain on golf flagstick 12 while not in use and in the hole.

In other select embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be configured to be removably attachable to golf flagstick 12. Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be removably attachable to golf flagstick 12 by any means. In select embodiments of the removably attachable spacer 10, gap 26 may be provided between inner surface 16 and outer surface 18. Gap 26 may be for providing a gap or space in spacer 10 for inserting flagstick 12 through outer surface 18 and into inner surface 16. As such, gap 26 may be operable for removably attaching spacer 10 to flagstick 12. In select embodiments, when golf flagstick spacer 10 may be flexible, gap 26 may be operable to open and close by bending and/or twisting golf flagstick spacer 10. In other select embodiments, or in combinations with spacer 10 being flexible, gap 26 may increase from inner surface 16 to outer surface 18 at angle 30. Angle 30 may be for aiding flagstick 12 to be inserted through outer surface 18 into inner surface 16. Angle 30 that gap 26 increases from inner surface 16 to outer surface 18 may be any desired angle. In select embodiments, angle 30 may be between 5 and 50 degrees. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, angle 30 that gap 26 increases from inner surface 16 to outer surface 18 may be between 20 and 40 degrees. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, angle 30 that gap 26 increases from inner surface 16 to outer surface 18 may be approximately or equal to 30 degrees.

In select embodiments, gap 26 may include protrusion 28 or a plurality of protrusions 28 on one or both sides of gap 26. Protrusions 28 may be for aiding in securing spacer 10 on flagstick 12. As examples, but clearly not limited thereto, protrusions 28 may be rounded protrusions, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7A, 7B and 7C.

One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer device 10 may be that it can be configured to space, raise, elevate, lift, the like, etc., flagstick 12 off ground 14 at any desired elevation distance 20. In select embodiments, elevation distance 20 from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be between 1.0 and 3.0 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, elevation distance 20 from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, elevation distance 20 from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be approximately or equal to 2.0 inches.

Outer surface 18 may be any desired shape or size. In select embodiments, one feature of golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that outer surface 18 may be circular or substantially circular including outer diameter 32. As used herein, substantially circular refers to a surface that is almost circular with a relatively constant radius, and/or circular surfaces that include portions added and/or removed (like gap 26). In select embodiments, outer diameter 32 of the substantially circular outer surface 18 may between 3.5 and 5.5 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, outer diameter 32 of the substantially circular outer surface 18 may be between 4.0 and 5.0 inches. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, outer diameter 32 of the substantially circular outer surface 18 may be approximately or equal to 4.5 inches.

Another feature of golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that it can have thickness 34. Thickness 34 may be the distance between top edge 36 and bottom edge 38. In select embodiments, spacer 10 may have rounded top and bottom edges 36 and 38. This may provide spacer 10 with a donut shape and provide a better feel to the device 10 and/or may reduce or prevent damage to ground 14 and/or surrounding objects. Thickness 34 from top edge 36 to bottom edge 38 may be any desired distance. In select embodiments, thickness 34 between top edge 36 and bottom edge 38 may be between 0.25 and 2.25 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, thickness 34 may be between 0.75 and 1.75 inches. In other select possibly most preferred embodiments, thickness 34 may be approximately or equal to 1.25 inches.

One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that inner surface 16 may be configured to fit around flagstick 12, including any size, shape or material of golf flagsticks, whether currently known, or later developed. For example, most current flagsticks have flagstick diameter 40 of 0.5 inches or 0.75 inches. As such, inner surface 16 of spacer 10 may be configured to fit around flagstick 12 with diameter 40 of 0.5 inches and/or 0.75 inches. Inner surface 16 may be any desired shape or size to fit around various size and/or shapes of flagstick 12. In select embodiments, one feature of golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that inner surface 16 may be circular or substantially circular including inner diameter 42. As used herein, substantially circular refers to a surface that is almost circular with a relatively constant radius, and/or circular surfaces that include portions added and/or removed (like gap 26). In select embodiments, inner diameter 42 may be between 0.25 and 1.0 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, inner diameter 42 of the substantially circular inner surface 16 may be approximately or equal to 0.375 inches.

The instant invention also includes golf flagstick system 100. Golf flagstick system 100 may include golf flagstick 12 and golf flagstick spacer 10, in any of the embodiments shown and or described herein. In select embodiments, golf flagstick system 100 may include golf flagstick spacer 10 integrally formed on golf flagstick 12. In other select embodiments, golf flagstick system 100 may include a removably attachable golf flagstick spacer 10, wherein golf flagstick spacer 10 may be removably attachable to golf flagstick 12.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in use, method 200 of raising flagstick 12 may be conducted utilizing any of the various embodiments of golf flagstick spacer 10 as shown and/or described herein. Method 200 of raising flagstick 12 may generally include the steps of: step 202 of providing golf flagstick spacer 10 on flagstick 12 in any of the various embodiments as shown and/or described herein; step 204 of putting flagstick 12 on ground 14 whereby golf flagstick spacer 10 elevates flagstick 12 off ground 14; step 206 of inserting club 22 or putter 24 (or other similar or like device) between ground 14 and flagstick 12; and step 208 of raising flagstick 12 with club 22 or putter 24 (or other similar or like device) (see FIGS. 4 and 6C).

In select embodiments of method 200 of raising flagstick 12, wherein flagstick spacer 10 is removable, method 200 may further include the steps of: step 210 of attaching flagstick spacer 10 to flagstick 12 prior to putting the flagstick on the ground (see FIG. 6A); and step 212 of removing flagstick spacer 10 after raising flagstick 12 with club 22 or putter 24 (or other similar or like device) (see FIGS. 4 and 6C).

In other select embodiments of method 200 of raising flagstick 12, or in combination thereof of the previous removable embodiments of method 200, wherein flagstick spacer 10 may be further configured to be removably attached to a golf bag or club (like club 22 or putter 24) for transportation and/or storing, method 200 may further include the following steps: step 214 of affixing golf flagstick spacer 10 to the golf bag or club (like club 22 or putter 24) for transportation and/or storage; and step 216 of taking golf flagstick spacer 10 off the golf bag or club (like club 22 or putter 24) prior to attaching golf flagstick spacer 10 to flagstick 12.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf flagstick spacer comprising: an inner surface configured to fit around a flagstick; and an outer surface spaced an elevation distance from said inner surface; said elevation distance from the outer surface to the inner surface is configured to elevate the flagstick off a ground whereby a club or a putter is insertable between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.
 2. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1 being flexible.
 3. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 2, wherein the golf flagstick spacer is made from a flexible material.
 4. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 3, wherein the flexible material is a light weight durable flexible material.
 5. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the golf flagstick spacer has a donut shaped cross-section, or a substantially donut shaped cross-section.
 6. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the golf flagstick spacer is integral with the flagstick.
 7. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1 being removably attachable to the flagstick.
 8. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 7 further comprising a gap from the inner surface to the outer surface for removably attaching the golf flagstick spacer to the flagstick.
 9. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 8, wherein the golf flagstick spacer is flexible, whereby the gap is operable to open and close by bending and/or twisting the golf flagstick spacer.
 10. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 8, wherein the gap includes at least one protrusion on one or both sides of the gap for securing the spacer on the flagstick; wherein each of the at least one protrusions being rounded.
 11. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 8, wherein the gap increases from the inner surface to the outer surface at an angle.
 12. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the outer surface is circular or substantially circular.
 13. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1 having a thickness between a top edge and a bottom edge.
 14. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 13, wherein the top and bottom edges being rounded.
 15. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the inner surface is configured to fit around a flagstick having a flagstick diameter of 0.5 inches and/or 0.75 inches.
 16. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the inner surface is circular or substantially circular.
 17. A golf flagstick system comprising: a golf flagstick; and a golf flagstick spacer comprising: an inner surface configured to fit around a flagstick; and an outer surface spaced an elevation distance from said inner surface; said elevation distance from the outer surface to the inner surface is configured to elevate the flagstick off a ground whereby a club or a putter is insertable between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.
 18. A method of raising a flagstick comprising: providing a golf flagstick spacer on a flagstick; putting the flagstick on a ground whereby the flagstick spacer elevates the flagstick off the ground; inserting a club or a putter between the ground and the flagstick; and raising the flagstick with the club or the putter.
 19. The method of raising a flagstick of claim 18 wherein the flagstick spacer is removable, the method further comprising: attaching the flagstick spacer to the flagstick prior to putting the flagstick on the ground; and removing the flagstick spacer after raising the flagstick with the club or the putter.
 20. The method of raising a flagstick of claim 19 wherein the flagstick spacer is further configured to be removably attached to a golf bag or a golf club for transportation and/or storing, the method further comprising: affixing the flagstick spacer to the golf bag or the golf club for transportation and/or storage; and taking the flagstick spacer off the golf bag or the golf club prior to attaching the flagstick spacer to the flagstick. 